One of the most important factors in qualifying for Canadian immigration is the Points System, which is used to assess candidates across federal and provincial programs. Despite the many different pathways, they all share a common goal: evaluating the applicant’s economic suitability based on age, education, work experience, and language ability.
In this article, we will explain— as clearly as possible — how the Canadian points system works at both the federal and provincial levels.
A deep understanding of the scoring mechanism allows you to plan a smart immigration strategy, improve your score, and significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
This information is not personal advice and does not constitute a recommendation. It is provided as a public service for Israelis currently in Canada and/or those considering immigration. For a clear, personalized strategy, we recommend booking a consultation with us. The initial meeting is free of charge.
Before diving into the key information you need in order to understand your potential score, we want to emphasize the importance of having an active Express Entry profile.
Express Entry is the main pool where most candidates register when aiming for permanent residency in Canada.
Having an active Express Entry profile is a central, essential step for most immigration pathways.
Immigration rules change frequently—both federally and provincially.
We have seen many unexpected changes over the years, such as very low cut-off scores during COVID-19 under the Canadian Experience Class, or unusually low scores in provincial draws for tech, healthcare, construction, and other occupations.
If you are already in Canada and know that you want to apply for permanent residency, make sure to open an Express Entry profile—no matter what your score is.
Yes, generally you need a realistic score, but surprises happen all the time.
In the best case, you may receive an unexpected invitation (ITA) and move forward with your PR application.
In the worst case, you don’t receive an invitation until you improve your score.
With that in mind—and with the hope that you now understand how important this is—let’s get into the scoring system itself!
The Points System Is Divided into Three Separate Score Sets
All of them are important:
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Six Selection Factors – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
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Express Entry – CRS System
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PNP – Provincial Nominee Programs
1. Six Selection Factors – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
What do you need to know?
This score calculation is critical if you want to open an Express Entry profile.
This scoring grid evaluates six factors: English/French language skills, education, age, foreign work experience, and additional adaptability factors such as spouse’s language ability, relatives in Canada, previous Canadian study, or Canadian work experience.
To be eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under FSW, you must score at least 67 points out of 100.
If you meet this requirement—along with a valid language test and ECA—congratulations! You can move on to the next step and create an Express Entry profile.
2. Express Entry – CRS System
Express Entry uses the CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System, a ranking mechanism that compares all candidates in the pool.
Only candidates with scores high enough receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The CRS score is made up of four main components:
A. Core Human Capital Factors
These are the most important elements:
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Age – maximum points for ages 20–29. Points decline with age.
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Education – recognized post-secondary credentials (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) earn high points.
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Language ability in English/French – IELTS/CELPIP/TEF. High scores (CLB 9+) can nearly double your overall CRS.
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Canadian work experience – highly valuable.
B. Skill Transferability Factors
Additional points for strong combinations, such as:
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Higher education + strong language scores
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Foreign work experience + high language scores
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French + English
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Education in an in-demand field
C. Spouse Factors
If you are married, your spouse contributes points as well:
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Language
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Education
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Canadian work experience
D. Bonus Points (Additional Points)
These can often determine whether you receive an ITA:
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Provincial Nomination (PNP): +600 CRS points
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High French proficiency
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Canadian education
What else should you know?
Express Entry also includes category-based selection for in-demand occupations at the federal level, as well as a special stream for strong French speakers.
Check whether your occupation appears in one of the categories:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/rounds-invitations/category-based-selection.html
You can view the latest draw results here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/ministerial-instructions/express-entry-rounds.html#wb-auto-4
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Their Impact on Scoring
The PNP system allows provinces to select candidates who meet local labor-market needs.
The major advantage:
A provincial nomination gives you 600 CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an invitation for permanent residency (PR).
This applies in every province—any successful nominee receives +600 CRS points added to their Express Entry profile.
Each province operates its own scoring system, with different pathways—some linked to Express Entry and some independent from it.
Here are a few examples:
Manitoba (MPNP)
Manitoba looks for candidates with ties to the province or in-demand occupations.
Some streams require an Express Entry profile, others do not.
Manitoba also uses two scoring systems:
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Eligibility Score: Minimum of 60 points required:
https://immigratemanitoba.com/immigrate/skilled-worker/swo/eligibility/ -
EOI Ranking Score: Determines chances of receiving an invitation based on recent draws:
https://immigratemanitoba.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mpnp-expression-of-interest-ranking-points-grid.pdf
Note: Similar to the federal system, Manitoba offers up to 500 additional points if:
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You receive support from the Jewish community, or
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You worked for a local employer for 6+ months
This significant bonus often (but not always) guarantees an invitation.
Recent draw results can be viewed here:
https://immigratemanitoba.com/notices/eoi-draw/
Ontario (OINP)
Ontario has multiple streams for skilled workers with employer support, international graduates, in-demand skills, and more.
Some streams require Express Entry, while others do not.
Example of their scoring system (Foreign Worker Stream):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/oinp-employer-job-offer-foreign-worker-stream#section-6
Latest draw results:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp-invitations-apply#section-1
Alberta (AAIP)
Alberta often invites candidates with relatively low CRS scores if their occupation is in high demand (healthcare, enforcement, tech, construction, etc.).
Again, some streams require Express Entry, others do not.
Points grid:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/im-worker-stream-expression-of-interest-points-grid.pdf
Latest draw trends:
https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-processing-information
How Can You Improve Your Score?
✔ Improve language test results — this has the biggest impact (consider learning French).
✔ Gain relevant Canadian work experience.
✔ Study in Canada — a fast pathway to employment and higher scores.
Conclusion
Canada’s points system is transparent but complex.
The core principle is simple:
The more likely a candidate is to succeed in the Canadian labor market, the higher their score.
A deep understanding of the CRS and other scoring factors allows you to build a smart strategy, strengthen weaker areas, and maximize your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residency.
